Brandon Kearnan – Head Coach, U16 Prep
Brandon Kearnan is a passionate and dedicated hockey coach with a constant drive to expand his knowledge and experience in the game. He is committed to growing as both a coach and a professional, and his focus is on providing young athletes with the tools they need to succeed on and off the ice. With a deep understanding of the game, Brandon has taken on responsibilities across all areas, from 5-on-5 systems to special teams, working primarily with teenagers and young adults.
Throughout his coaching career, Brandon has held several notable positions that have contributed to his well-rounded expertise. He is currently serving as the Assistant Coach for Okanagan Hockey Ontario’s U18 team (2024-2025). Additionally, he has worked as the Assistant Coach with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in the 2021-2022 season, and as the Co-Head Coach of the Stouffville Spirit during the 2019-2020 season. Prior to these roles, he served as an Assistant Coach with the Clarington Toros Midget AAA team from 2016 to 2019. Brandon also has experience as an OJDL Coach & Scout with the Pickering Panthers between 2017 and 2019. These varied roles have given him a broad range of experience in coaching different aspects of the game and managing teams of various age groups.
Brandon’s technical knowledge is complemented by his expertise in using tools like Coaches Eye and Flo Sports, which allow him to break down game footage for effective team sessions and player development. His strong communication skills enable him to adapt his approach to suit the individual needs and personalities of his players, staff, and others involved with the team. Brandon is also highly organized and proficient in Microsoft Excel, using it to streamline team operations and ensure efficient planning and tracking of team progress.
Brandon holds several coaching credentials, including Coaching Development 1 – Trained, Coaching – Coach 2, and Coaching – Instruction certifications in Checking 1, Developing Defence 1, and Goaltending 1. These qualifications, along with his hands-on experience, make him an ideal fit to lead the U16 (25-27) team at Okanagan Hockey Ontario. We are excited to welcome Brandon as he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of hockey players, furthering their development and success on the ice.